Processing of Functionalized and Pristine Carbon Nanotube Epoxy Composites with Silane-Treated Glass Fiber

In this work, an attempt has been made to study the bonding between the silane coupling agents and the glass fiber (GF) surface. The mechanical properties of the composites so obtained have been specifically analyzed. It has been experimentally found that epoxy silane (ES)-treated GF mat in a neat epoxy matrix showed considerable improvement compared to amino silane (AS)-treated GF. The effect of heat treatment on GF has also been looked into. Moreover, a new processing technique has been explored, which involves the use of amino functionalized nanotube (ACNT) and pristine nanotube (PCNT), homogeneously and uniformly dispersed in an epoxy matrix. Additionally, the effect of ES- and AS-treated GF in the presence of PCNTs and ACNTs has been studied and it has been found that AS shows strong interfacial adhesion in the ACNT matrix, whereas ES shows improved mechanical behavior in the PCNT matrix. The findings from this study have certainly helped us design improved fiber reinforced nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties suitable for marine structures.     

Properties of composites of carbon nanotube fibres

Composites have set the standard for high strength materials for several decades. With the discovery of nanotubes, new possibilities for reinforced composites have arisen, with potential mechanical properties superior to those of currently available materials. This paper reports the properties of epoxy matrix reinforced with fibres of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) which, in many ways, are similar to standard composites reinforced with commercial fibres. The composites were formed by the back diffusion of the uncured epoxy into an array of aligned fibres of CNTs. The fibre density and volume fraction were measured from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Properties in tension and compression were measured, and the level of fibre–matrix interaction analysed fractographically. The results show the significant potential for this route to CNT reinforcement.     

Vibration damping characteristics of carbon fiber-reinforced composites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Vibration damping characteristic of nanocomposites and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites (CFRPs) containing multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied using the free and forced vibration tests. Several vibration parameters are varied to characterize the damping behavior in different amplitudes, natural frequencies and vibration modes. The damping ratio of the hybrid composites is enhanced with the addition of CNTs, which is attributed to sliding at the CNT-matrix interfaces. The damping ratio is dependent on the amplitude as a result of the random orientation of CNTs in the epoxy matrix. The natural frequency shows negligible influence on the damping properties. The forced vibration test indicates that the damping ratios of the CFRP composites increase with increasing CNT content in both the 1st and 2nd vibration modes. The CNT-epoxy nanocomposites also show similar increasing trends of damping ratio with CNT content, indicating the enhanced damping property of CFRPs arising mainly from the improved damping property of the modified matrix. The dynamic mechanical analysis further confirms that the CNTs have a strong influence on the composites damping properties. Both the dynamic loss modulus and loss factor of the nanocomposites and the corresponding CFRPs show consistent increases with the addition of CNTs, an indication of enhanced damping performance.     

Enhancement of fracture toughness of hierarchical carbon fiber composites via improved adhesion between carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers

Hierarchical +1 composites consisting of carbon fibers with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown onto them and an epoxy matrix were processed, and the mode I fracture toughness of these composites was evaluated. The mode I fracture toughness of the initial batches of the hierarchical composites was lower than that of the baseline samples without CNTs. Hence, efforts to enhance the adhesion between carbon fibers and CNTs were made, resulting in enhanced adhesion. The enhanced adhesion was confirmed by Scotch tape tests and mode I fracture toughness tests followed by fractographic studies. The mode I fracture toughness of the hierarchical composites with enhanced adhesion was 51% and 89% higher than those of the baseline samples and hierarchical composites with poor adhesion, respectively. Moreover, fractographic studies of the fracture surfaces of the hierarchical composites with enhanced adhesion showed that CNTs were still attached to carbon fibers even after the mechanical tests.     

Experimental investigation on the compression behaviors of epoxy with carbon nanotube under high strain rates

The compressive properties of epoxy with different carbon nanotubes (CNTs) contents at quasi-static and high strain rates loading had been investigated via experiment to evaluate the compressive failure behaviors and modes at different CNTs contents and different strain rates. The results indicated that the stress train curves were strain rate sensitive, and the compressive stiffness, compressive failure stress of composites with various CNTs contents was increased with the strain rates and CNTs contents. The compressive failure stress and the compressive failure modes of the composites were apparently different as the change of CNTs contents.     

The dispersion of SWCNTs treated by dispersing agents in glass fiber reinforced polymer composites

It is an obstacle issue for carbon nanotubes (CNTs) particularly for single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with nano-level dispersion in fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites. In this paper, the dispersing agents such as Volan and BYK-9076 were employed to treat SWCNTs to improve their dispersion in the glass fiber/epoxy (GF/EP) composites. The dispersing results of SWCNTs in composites were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then the glass transition temperature (T_g) of these kinds of composites with treated and untreated SWCNTs were obtained by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). Moreover, the flexural tests were performed on these composites. Based on the experiment results, the dispersion of SWCNTs was improved and the flexural property of SWCNTs/GF/EP composite was enhanced too.     

Reinforcing brittle and ductile epoxy matrices using carbon nanotubes masterbatch

In this study, the mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy composites using two different forms of carbon nanotubes (powder and masterbatch) were investigated. Composites were prepared by loading the surface-modified CNT powder and/or CNT masterbatch into either ductile or brittle epoxy matrices. The results show that 3 wt.% CNT masterbatch enhances Young’s modulus by 20%, tensile strength by 30%, flexural strength by 15%, and 21.1 °C increment in the glass transition temperature (by 34%) of ductile epoxy matrix. From scanning electron microscopy images, it was observed that the CNT masterbatch was uniformly distributed indicating the pre-dispersed CNTs in the masterbatch allow an easier path for preparation of CNT-epoxy composites with reduced agglomeration of CNTs. These results demonstrate a good CNT dispersion and ductility of epoxy matrix play a key role to achieve high performance CNT-epoxy composites.     

Strain-sensitive Raman spectroscopy and electrical resistance of carbon nanotube-coated glass fibre sensors

This paper presents the development of glass fibres coated with nanocomposites consisting of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and epoxy. Single glass fibres with different CNT content coating are embedded in a polymer matrix as a strain sensor for composite structures. Raman spectroscopy and electrical response of glass fibres under mechanical load are coupled for in situ sensing of deformation in composites. The results show that the fibres with nanocomposite coating exhibit efficient stress transfer across the fibre/matrix interface, and these with a higher CNT content are more prone to fibre fragmentation at the same matrix strain. A relationship between the fibre stress and the change in electrical resistance against the fibre strain is established. The major finding of this study has a practical implication in that the fibres with nanocomposite coating can serve as a sensor to monitor the deformation and damage process in composites.     

Interfacial shear strength of a glass fiber/epoxy bonding in composites modified with carbon nanotubes

In recent years, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) grown on fibers have attracted a lot of interest as an additional reinforcing component in conventional fiber-reinforced composites to improve the properties of the fiber/matrix interface. Due to harsh growth conditions, the CNT-grafted fibers often exhibit degraded tensile properties. In the current study we explore an alternative approach to deliver CNTs to the fiber surface by dispersing CNTs in the fiber sizing formulation. This route takes advantage of the developed techniques for CNT dispersion in resins and introduces no damage to the fibers. We focus on unidirectional glass fiber/epoxy macro-composites where CNTs are introduced in three ways: (1) in the fiber sizing, (2) in the matrix and (3) in the fiber sizing and matrix simultaneously. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) is investigated using single-fiber push-out microindentation. The results of the test reveal an increase of IFSS in all three cases. The maximum gain (over 90%) is achieved in the composite where CNTs are introduced solely in the fiber sizing.     

Fracture mechanisms of epoxy filled with ozone functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes

This work focused on the fracture mechanisms and reinforcing effects of ozone-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in epoxy matrix. Ozone functionalization of MWCNTs was found to be of help for a better dispersion and stronger interfacial bonding with epoxy matrix, which in turn improve the strength and fracture toughness of the resin. The MWCNT/epoxy composites showed complicated failure modes than the conventional fibrous composites, which have been quantitatively investigated and correlated with the fracture toughness of the nanocomposites studied.     

Influence of electrolessly silver-plated multi-walled carbon nanotubes on thermal conductivity of epoxy matrix nanocomposites

In this work, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were electrolessly Ag-plated in order to investigate the effect of plating time on the thermal conductivity of Ag-plated MWCNTs-reinforced epoxy matrix composites. MWCNT surfaces were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The thermal conductivity of Ag-plated MWCNT-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites was measured using the thermal equilibrium method with ASTM D5470. From the results, it was found that the thermal conductivity of the composites enhanced with increasing plating time. In particular the Ag-10/EP sample showed more than 150% enhancement of the thermal conductivity compared to the as-received CNTs/EP sample. These results were attributed to the high contents of Ag particles and the increase of the interfacial adhesion between the Ag-CNTs and EP matrix in the composites.     

Comparison of drying methods for the preparation of carbon fiber felt/carbon nanotubes modified epoxy composites

Carbon fiber felt with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared by immersing three-dimensional (3D) felt into CNT aqueous solution (with dispersant) followed by removing water with different drying methods. Epoxy resin was then introduced into the felt to obtain 3D fiber felt/CNTs modified epoxy composites. This paper highlights the effect of drying method on macro-morphologies of the felt, morphological dispersion of CNTs and some relevant properties of the composites, including electrical conductivity and flexural performance. The results demonstrate that compared to the commonly used heat drying method, freeze drying technique possesses obvious advantages for the fabrication of fiber felt/CNT modified epoxy composites.     

Energy absorption capability of carbon nanotubes dispersed in resins under compressive high strain rate loading

The focus of the present study is on energy absorption capability (E_A) of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in thermoset epoxy resin under compressive high strain rate loading. Toward this objective, high strain rate compressive behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) dispersed epoxy is investigated using a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The amount of MWCNT dispersion is varied up to 3% by weight. Calculation methodology for the evaluation of E_A of individual CNTs and CNTs dispersed in resins/composites is presented. Quantitative data on E_A of individual CNTs and CNTs dispersed in resins under quasi-static and high strain rate loading is given.     

Fatigue behaviour of glass fibre reinforced epoxy composites enhanced with nanoparticles

Nanoparticle reinforcement of the matrix in laminates has been recently explored to improve mechanical properties, particularly the interlaminar strength. This study analyses the fatigue behaviour of nanoclay and multiwalled carbon nanotubes enhanced glass/epoxy laminates. The matrix used was the epoxy resin Biresin® CR120, combined with the hardener CH120-3. Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) 98% and organo-montmorillonite Nanomer I30 E nanoclay were used. Composites plates were manufactured by moulding in vacuum. Fatigue tests were performed under constant amplitude, both under tension–tension and three points bending loadings. The fatigue results show that composites with small amounts of nanoparticles addition into the matrix have bending fatigue strength similar to the obtained for the neat glass fibre reinforced epoxy matrix composite. On the contrary, for higher percentages of nanoclays or carbon nanotubes addition the fatigue strength tend to decrease caused by poor nanoparticles dispersion and formation of agglomerates. Tensile fatigue strength is only marginally affected by the addition of small amount of particles. The fatigue ratio in tension–tension loading increases with the addition of nanoclays and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, suggesting that both nanoparticles can act as barriers to fatigue crack propagation.     

Preparation and properties of powder styrene-butadiene rubber composites filled with carbon black and carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon black (CB) filled powder styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) composites were prepared by spray drying of the suspension of CNTs and CB in SBR latex. The powders were sphere like and fine with uniform diameters of 10-15 μm. Experimental results showed that the introduction of CNTs into the matrix was beneficial to improve the security of the vulcanization of the rubber composites, and the dynamic and basic mechanical properties of the CNTs/SBR composites were better than those of CB/SBR and neat SBR composites. Observations on the microstructure of the composites indicated that CNTs were well dispersed in the matrix. Morphology of the fracture confirmed that the bonding between CNTs and rubber matrix was strong and load can be transferred to CNTs efficiently during the mechanical property tests. Moreover, the powder SBR composites containing well-dispersed CNTs could be perfect candidate as additives for other polymers.     

Silane modification on mesoporous silica coated carbon nanotubes for improving compatibility and dispersity in epoxy matrices

A simple synthetic method for placing a mesoporous silica coating on multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs@MS) was developed to improve the surface compatibility with regard to a polar epoxy matrix. In addition, the mesoporous silica shell with silanol groups on the CNTs provides a platform to attach silane molecules (e.g. 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, GPTMS) that enable the CNTs@MS to be incorporated into the epoxy matrix at a content of up to 20 wt.%. The viscosities of the CNTs@MS- and GPTMS-modified-CNTs@MS–epoxy composites are much lower than that of the CNTs–epoxy, and then the voids in the GPTMS-modified-CNTs@MS–epoxy composites are most significantly reduced. The effects of the CNTs@MS and GPTMS-modified CNTs@MS on the mechanical and thermal properties of the epoxy composite are investigated. The results show that the GPTMS-modified CNTs@MS improved the filler–epoxy matrix interaction, and has better compatibility in epoxy than the CNTs@MS. As the surface compatibility and interaction strength increase in the epoxy matrix, the enhancement in storage modulus, thermal conductivity and reduction in the coefficient of thermal expansion are in the following order: GPTMS-modified CNTs@MS > CNTs@MS ≫ CNTs.     

3D打印制备碳纳米管/环氧树脂电磁屏蔽复合材料

采用3D打印技术制备具有连续通孔的环氧树脂基体,利用浸渍工艺将碳纳米管（CNTs）附着于环氧树脂基体孔壁,获得具有优异电性能和电磁屏蔽功能的CNTs/环氧树脂复合材料。研究结果表明,CNTs含量仅为2.86vol%时,CNTs/环氧树脂复合材料电导率高达35 S/m,总电磁屏蔽效能高达39.2 dB（厚度为2.0 mm）。研究表明,CNTs/环氧树脂复合材料对进入其内部电磁波的吸收占总屏蔽效能的98%,表现出吸收屏蔽为主导的电磁屏蔽机制。CNTs/环氧树脂复合材料的弯曲强度和弯曲模量相比环氧树脂基体也有一定的提高。该研究为具有优异电磁屏蔽性能的高分子基复合材料制备提供了新思路和方法。      

Fabrication and properties of CNTs/carbon fabric hybrid multiscale composites processed via resin transfer molding technique

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are effective fillers/reinforcements regarding improving the properties of polymer. In the present paper, carboxylic acid functionalized CNTs were used to modify epoxy with intent to develop a nanocomposite matrix for hybrid multiscale composites combining benefits of nanoscale reinforcement with well-established fibrous composites. CNTs were dispersed in epoxy by using high energy sonication. At low contents of CNTs, hybrid multiscale composites specimens were manufactured via resin transfer molding (RTM) process. The processibility of CNTs/epoxy systems was explored with respect to their viscosity. The dispersion quality and re-agglomeration behavior of CNTs in epoxy were characterized using optical microscope. A CNTs loading of 0.025 wt% significantly improved the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the hybrid multiscale composites. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the fracture surface of the failed specimens. It is demonstrated that the addition of small amount of CNTs (0.025 wt%) to epoxy for the fabrication of multiscale carbon fabric composites via RTM route effectively improves the matrix-dominated properties of polymer based composites. Hybridization efficiency in carbon fiber reinforced composites using CNTs is found to be highly dependent on the changes in the dispersion state of CNTs in epoxy.     

Effects of amino group on the properties of carbon nanotubes

The surfaces of multi-walled carbon nanotubes were grafted with amino functional groups by reacting acyl-chloride-functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with hexamethylene diamine, which improves the surfactivity of CNTs. The dispersity, surface morphology, and thermogravimetry of acid-treated and amino-functionalized CNTs were investigated. Amino-functionalized CNTs were added into epoxy resin to analyze the effects of amino functional groups on the properties of resin composites. It was found that the properties of CNTs, such as morphology and scale, were not affected by amino functional groups, but the dispersity in water was highly improved. Amino-functionalized CNTs are better dispersed in resin matrix, and the mechanical properties of composites are improved significantly, whereas the conductivity of composites is not enhanced as expected.     

Effect of block-copolymer dispersants on properties of carbon nanotube/epoxy systems

The effects of the addition of eight different block copolymers on the dispersion stability of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are reported. Suspensions of CNTs in different components of an epoxy system have been prepared using a tip sonicator and different amounts of block copolymers. The resistance to sedimentation of MWCNTs in various media was systematically investigated by using a centrifugation technique. Block copolymers that result in dispersions of MWCNTs in epoxy and hardener stable for more than 1 week have been obtained. Dispersions using a single or a combination of two different dispersing agents have been used for the fabrication of MWCNT nanocomposites. The effect of different preparation routes and use of block copolymers on the tensile properties and surface resistivity of the composites have been evaluated. The results obtained have been related with the dispersion stability of the MWCNTs in the epoxy components.